Mayor Reed declares local State of Emergency due to coronavirus

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Following national and state declarations, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has declared a local State of Emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Friday morning, Alabama’s first case of the coronavirus was confirmed to have been found in Montgomery County.

Friday afternoon, US President Donald Trump declared a national State of Emergency due to the virus. Friday evening during a news conference Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared a State of Emergency. At the same news conference, state health officials confirmed Alabama’s second case of the coronavirus.

The City of Montgomery says Mayor Reed’s declaration is “a matter of practice to ensure we are in line for financial assistance - just like other Alabama cities - as we move forward to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Michael Briddell, director of public information and external affairs with the city, says the mayor’s declaration does not represent an escalation of the coronavirus.

At this time, there are six total confirmed cases in the state.